Human Rights Watch has accused multiple armed groups in Mali of systematic violations against civilians since the surge in violence in April. The JNIM jihadist group, Tuareg FLA rebels, Malian armed forces, and Africa Corps mercenaries are all implicated in indiscriminate attacks, home destruction, and theft of civilian property.

At least 13 civilians have been killed and 25 injured in Gao and Kidal, according to local reports. A 38-year-old resident of Kidal described being struck by gunfire during the chaos: “I was shot in the right shoulder and left thigh. Bullets came from all directions; I couldn’t tell who fired them.”

Targeted violence and destruction laid bare

HRW’s investigation reveals that the JNIM burned over 40 civilian vehicles between May 6 and 21 on routes leading to Bamako. In Tonka, a public execution was documented. “We recovered the body with a gunshot wound to the head,” recounted a local resident.

The report also highlights alleged atrocities by Malian forces, including the killing of 38 civilians—23 of them children—during operations targeting Fulani communities in central Mali. Two suspected drone strikes in Guimbé and Tené caused significant civilian harm. A Tené resident recalled: “I heard a noise from above, then an explosion. The damage was catastrophic—many dead and injured.”

To substantiate these claims, HRW conducted 34 remote interviews, analyzed satellite imagery, videos, and photographs. Authorities in Bamako have not responded to requests for comment. The JNIM has defended its actions by stating, “No war is without human cost,” while the FLA asserted it had taken precautions to protect civilians from collateral damage.